Best Dobros for Beginners [2023 Review]

Ah, the dobro. It’s more than just a guitar – it’s a conversation between a player and their instrument, a bluesy voice humming the rhythm of the heart.

The distinct, resonant twang brings forth images of campfires under the starlit skies, stories shared in song, and a legacy of music that bridges generations.

Choosing the right dobro guitar can be as soulful an experience as playing one, especially if you’re just starting on your journey.

You don’t just buy a dobro; you invite it into your life, let it become a part of your story. This guide is here to assist you in finding your first dobro guitar, an instrument that feels just right in your hands and stirs your musical bluegrass and folk spirit.

From the different styles, sounds, and setups, let us navigate through the forest of options to find your perfect beginner’s dobro guitar – but let’s not confuse that with an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar.

Acoustic guitars have a woody and warm sound while a dobro guitar have a metallic and cool sound and is usually played “sideways”. While acoustic guitars are played against the chest, the dobro is usually played on its side near the waist with a slide and is in an open tuning.

IMPORTANT: Dobros and Resonator Guitars are often interchangable terms. If you want a open-tuning resonator guitar played with a slide and finger picks for bluegrass tunes and folk music, then you want to search for “square necks” for your resonator guitars. Do NOT purchase a round neck resonator for bluegrass style dobro.

Ready to choose the best beginner dobro for you?

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The Gretsch G9210 Boxcar Square-Neck Resonator Guitar, with its mahogany build and traditional design, offers a time-honored tone that’s perfect for slide styles.

Price Range

Falling within the medium price range, the Gretsch G9210 typically comes with a price tag around $400-$500, proving a valuable choice for those ready to invest a bit more in their musical journey.

Key Features

The G9210 boasts a laminated mahogany top with a mahogany neck and body, contributing to a warm, rich resonance. The square-neck design makes it an excellent choice for lap playing styles. It’s fitted with a Gretsch Ampli-Sonic™ resonator cone and bridge, enhancing the projection and enriching the overall tone.

Suitability

With its quality construction and unique tone, this model is ideal for intermediate to advanced players who want to experiment with slide or bluegrass styles. However, even beginners keen on getting a quality resonator from the get-go will find it user-friendly and rewarding.

User Reviews

On Amazon, the Gretsch G9210 Boxcar receives high praise for its stunning aesthetics, exceptional sound quality, and solid build. The majority of users recommend it for its value for money.

PROS AND CONS

Pros:

• Warm, rich tone
• Aesthetic design
• Durable construction

Cons:

• Higher price range (compared to entry-level models)
• Might require some setup

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Gretsch

Size: Full Size

Material: Mahogany

Finish: Natural User

Feedback: Positive reviews highlighting the excellent sound and build quality

Best For: Beginner to intermediate players, slide styles

FINAL VERDICT Overall, the Gretsch G9210 Boxcar Square-Neck Resonator Guitar stands out for its superior sound and build quality. While its price point is higher than some entry-level models, it offers fantastic value for money, particularly for players interested in slide or bluegrass styles.

If you’re willing to invest in a top-quality instrument that will serve you well as you progress, the Gretsch G9210 Boxcar is a worthy contender.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The Recording King RR-36S-VS Maxwell Series is a squareneck resonator designed for beginner Dobro players. This instrument offers a delightful blend of quality construction and affordability.

Price Range

The Recording King RR-36S-VS Maxwell falls in the mid-range price category, with an average price hovering around the $500 mark. This makes it a viable choice for beginners who are willing to invest a bit more for quality.

Key Features

The Maxwell Series resonator features a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a square mahogany neck. It boasts a rosewood fretboard and a single-cone resonator design that delivers the twangy, vibrant sound associated with bluegrass and country music.

This resonator guitar doesn’t come bundled with additional accessories. Instead, it invests in the instrument’s quality, offering a high standard of construction and sound for its price point.

Suitability

With its comfortable playability and quality construction, the Recording King RR-36S-VS Maxwell Series resonator is an excellent choice for beginners looking to get into Dobro-style playing.

User Reviews

Amazon customers commend the Recording King RR-36S-VS Maxwell for its great sound and overall value for money. Users note its suitability for beginners and the quality construction that outperforms its price point.

PROS AND CONS

Pros:

• Quality materials and construction
• Great sound for its price point
• Suitable for beginners looking for an introduction to Dobro-style playing

Cons:

• Might require initial setup for optimal playability
• Lacks bundled accessories

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Recording King

Size: Full Size

Material: Solid Sitka Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides

Finish: Vintage Sunburst

Fretboard: Rosewood

User Feedback: Positive reviews commending its value and sound quality

Best For: Beginners stepping into Dobro-style guitar

FINAL VERDICT

The Recording King RR-36S-VS Maxwell Series Squareneck Resonator stands as a high-value choice for beginners exploring Dobro-style playing. With a reasonable price tag and a build quality that exceeds expectations, it offers an accessible path into the world of resonator guitars.

Its sound quality and playability have won the hearts of many users, making it a top pick for those seeking quality and affordability.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The Regal Studio RD-30MS Squareneck Resophonic Guitar is a beautifully crafted instrument designed to offer beginners an authentic resonator experience.

Price Range

Priced in the mid-range (around $300-$400), the Regal Studio RD-30MS offers a balance of affordability and quality that makes it a solid choice for new players.

Key Features

The guitar boasts a solid mahogany body that provides excellent projection and resonance. Like other Regal Studio resophonic guitars, it features a USA-made aluminum cone and a rock maple sound well, ensuring a clear, rich tone. It also includes a high-quality, nickel-plated brass parts, like the tailpiece and cover plate, which add durability and aesthetic appeal.

Suitability

Given its design and price, the Regal Studio RD-30MS is an ideal choice for beginner or intermediate players looking for a resonator guitar that can grow with them as they progress.

User Reviews

Users on Amazon have given the Regal Studio RD-30MS positive reviews, with many praising its solid construction and great sound. They have also appreciated its affordability, considering the quality of the instrument.

PROS AND CONS

Pros:

• Good value for money
• Solid construction
• Great sound for its price

Cons:

• May require some setup or adjustments

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Regal

Size: Full Size

Material: Mahogany body with a rock maple sound well

Finish: Natural Mahogany

Fretboard: Rosewood

User Feedback: Positive reviews highlighting its good value and sound quality

Best For: Beginners and intermediate players seeking a reliable and quality resonator guitar

FINAL VERDICT

The Regal Studio RD-30MS Squareneck Resophonic Guitar stands out as a solid choice for beginners. With its affordable price point, quality construction, and pleasing tone, it offers excellent value for money.

This dobro can serve as a great stepping stone for beginners looking to delve into the world of Dobro-style guitars.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The Gretsch G9230 Bobtail Square-Neck Resonator Guitar is a resonator that delivers tradition, innovation, and quality in one package, a hallmark of Gretsch’s iconic musical influence.

Price Range

The Gretsch G9230 falls in the higher price range, typically costing between $600-$700. Its excellent features and construction make it a worthwhile investment for serious beginners and experienced musicians alike.

Key Features

The G9230 features a laminated mahogany body and a square mahogany neck, contributing to its resonant and rich tonal characteristics. The Gretsch Ampli-Sonic™ Spider resonator cone and bridge provide that distinct resonator sound, loud and clear. It’s equipped with a Fishman Nashville Resophonic pickup, making it ready for stage performances and studio recordings.

Suitability

The Gretsch G9230 Bobtail is most suited for intermediate and advanced players, especially those interested in blues, bluegrass, or country. Its pickup system also makes it a great choice for gigging musicians.

User Reviews

Amazon customers have praised the Gretsch G9230 Bobtail for its fantastic sound, top-notch construction, and stage-ready features. It has been hailed for its value for money, considering the superior quality it delivers.

PROS AND CONS

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• High-quality construction
• Ready for stage and studio with its pickup system

Cons:

• Higher price tag
• May require setup for optimal playability

SPECIFICATIONS Brand: Gretsch Size: Full Size Material: Mahogany Finish: Natural User Feedback: Positive reviews for its excellent sound, quality, and stage-ready features Best For: Intermediate to advanced players, stage performances, studio recording

FINAL VERDICT

The Gretsch G9230 Bobtail Square-Neck Resonator Guitar is a quality investment that delivers fantastic sound, construction, and playability. Its pickup system is a significant advantage for those who play live or record, offering a clear and resonant sound in any setting.

While it comes with a higher price tag, the quality and versatility it offers make it a fantastic value for the money. It’s an ideal choice for players who want to elevate their resonator guitar experience.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The Gold Tone Paul Beard Signature Series PBS-D Squareneck Resonator Guitar is a premium resonator guitar that merges high-end craftsmanship with top-of-the-line materials, resulting in an instrument that delivers in both aesthetics and performance.

Price Range

Falling within the upper price range, this resonator guitar is an investment piece designed for those who want a superior quality instrument.

Key Features

The Gold Tone PBS-D Squareneck boasts a solid mahogany body with a genuine USA Beard cone and spider bridge, producing a rich and authentic sound that truly stands out. Its unique “open sound well” design and spider bridge further enhances the tonal quality.

The guitar features a gloss sunburst finish and sealed adjustable tuners. An ebony fingerboard and maple saddle offer a smooth playing experience.

Suitability

With its high-end components and premium construction, the Gold Tone PBS-D is most suitable for serious musicians, including advanced students and professionals who demand the best in terms of sound quality, playability, and craftsmanship.

User Reviews

Users on Amazon praise the Gold Tone PBS-D for its outstanding sound, top-tier build quality, and overall value for the investment. The instrument’s tone, aesthetics, and overall quality have been highly appreciated by those who have chosen this model.

PROS AND CONS

Pros:

• High-quality materials and construction
• Excellent sound quality
• Superior playability

Cons:

• Higher price point, which might not be suitable for all budgets

SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand: Gold Tone
• Body Material: Mahogany
• Finish: Gloss sunburst
• Fingerboard Material: Ebony
• Bridge: Maple
• Tuners: Sealed Adjustable
• User Feedback: Positive reviews highlighting excellent sound and build quality
• Best For: Advanced students and professional musicians

FINAL VERDICT

In conclusion, the Gold Tone Paul Beard Signature Series PBS-D Squareneck Resonator Guitar stands as an outstanding choice for those who desire a resonator guitar of the highest quality.

It’s a serious investment, but its superior sound, build quality, and aesthetics make it worth every penny. It’s a fine choice for anyone seeking to elevate their musical journey.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The Recording King RM-998-D is a Style-O Squareneck Resonator that is both a musical and visual standout. Crafted with a passion for traditional bluegrass and folk music, this resonator boasts an impressive design and robust sound.

Price Range

The Recording King RM-998-D falls into the moderate price range, with a typical cost of about $500-$600. Its unique features and build quality make it a substantial investment for those who love the distinct resonator sound.

Key Features

This resonator features a nickel-plated bell brass body, providing a robust and vibrant tone. Its 9.5″ hand-spun European cone contributes to its powerful, resonant sound, making it ideal for various music styles, including bluegrass and country.

The square neck and the traditional Style-O pattern on the body give the RM-998-D a vintage feel, while the included featherweight case ensures easy transportation and protection for your instrument.

Suitability

Given its distinctive features and sound, the Recording King RM-998-D is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a unique, high-quality resonator.

User Reviews

The RM-998-D is appreciated by Amazon customers for its excellent tonal qualities, beautiful design, and build quality. Some have highlighted the need for some setup adjustments to bring out its full potential.

PROS AND CONS

Pros:

• Robust, vibrant tone
• Distinctive design and build
• Included case for transport and protection

Cons:

• Some users suggest professional setup may be necessary

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Recording King

Size: Full Size

Material: Nickel-Plated Bell Brass Body

Finish: Nickel-Plated

User Feedback: Mostly positive reviews, praising its sound and build quality

Best For: Beginner to intermediate players

FINAL VERDICT

The Recording King RM-998-D Style-O Squareneck Resonator offers a unique design and a high-quality sound that resonator lovers will appreciate. The craftsmanship and attention to detail make it stand out, not just visually but also in terms of performance. While it might require some setup adjustments, the resulting sound and playability make it a worthwhile investment.

For those seeking a resonator with a vintage look and a powerful tone, the RM-998-D could be an ideal choice.

What is the Best Dobro for Beginners?

Choosing the best Dobro for beginners can be a daunting task given the wide array of options available. However, each of the options we’ve evaluated has something unique to offer, making them excellent choices for various needs and preferences.

Best Dobro on a Budget

The Gretsch G9210 Boxcar Square-Neck Mahogany Resonator Guitar takes the crown in this category. The Gretsch resonator guitar combines a reasonable price tag with an array of features typically found in more expensive models. It’s a guitar that gives you a taste of the Dobro world without breaking the bank, offering you quality, value, and a beautiful, resonant sound.

Best Dobro for Progression

The Gold Tone Paul Beard Signature Series PBS-D Squareneck Resonator Guitar is perfect for those looking to advance their Dobro skills. Its combination of a robust, vibrant tone and distinctive design makes it a fantastic choice for players aiming to progress and broaden their musical range. Its higher quality build and superior tonal capabilities make it worth the step up in price.

Best Dobro Choice Overall

Our overall winner is the Recording King RR-36S-VS Maxwell Series Square Neck Resonator. Resonator guitar players will jump for joy due to its perfect balance of cost, build quality, amazing sound, and tonal performance. The solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides offer a rich sound, and its excellent build ensures longevity and consistent performance. This Dobro is an investment that will serve you for many years to come, making it an excellent value for your money.

In conclusion, the right Dobro for you depends on your budget, skill level, and individual musical needs. By considering these factors, you can select the Dobro that will provide you with the best possible musical experience.